Maithil and I always talk about what we would do if we ever won the lottery. Travel is definitely at the top of that list. With generous resources (aka time and money), the world would really be our oyster. In the meantime, until we guess the lucky numbers, we do make it a point to take at least one big/long vacation each year as well as a couple of quick getaways. Maithil backpacked through parts of Japan with some of his college buddies after they graduated. He always talks about planning a trip back with me and exploring some of the parts that did not make it on their itinerary. I studied abroad in Rome during my junior year of college and I had a chance to explore various parts of Italy as well as Paris and three cities in Spain. I’m itching to go back to Europe with Maithil so we can visit some new countries and revisit some of my favorite spots. Another destination that is on our radar is parts of Rajasthan and the south of India. We both grew up in central India (him on the west and me on the east) but never really had the opportunity to experience those regions. We love learning about new cultures, customs, and histories, and of course, trying the local cuisine. I would also like to incorporate a service component into our travels, if possible. Treating yourself is always amazing but giving back is satisfying in a whole different way. There is so much of the world that we have yet to explore. We fully realized this when we were framing our scratch map of the world. It’s a wonderful conversation piece and it keeps our adventurous side alive. It’s also makes for a fun and easy DIY art project. South America, Australia, Africa, we cannot wait to scratch off parts of you.
Where have your travels taken you? What destinations are on your bucket list?
The map, fully scratched off. Image courtesy of eBay
I grew up eating a lot of varieties of dal. As a vegetarian from an Indian family, it’s a nutrient rich staple with almost every meal. Dal is made from lentils, often split, combined with spices and on occasion, vegetables. It can be eaten with rice, naan or roti, or even plain (perfect if you are counting calories). One of the most commonly used dals is moong dal, which come in three forms: whole, with its outer skin, split with its outer skin, and split without the outer skin. One of my favorite dals mixes split, skinless yellow moong dal and palak, better known as spinach. It’s light yet creamy and packed with aromatic flavors. It’s your everyday, average dal recipe, elevated. Plus, unlike some other lentils, moong cooks quickly and require little pre-soaking. More
I was a library frequenter in my school and college days. I even had a card to the New York Public Library which I put to good use over summer vacations. Now, every time I want to read a book, I either do so on my i-Pad or I end up buying it through Amazon. All of this changed when Maithil started going to our local library to study. Although I always knew that Hoboken had a public library, I guess I never realized how convenient it actually was. It’s small, old, and no-frills, but thus far they have had everything I’ve wanted to borrow.
I am currently reading Tina Fey’s acclaimed Bossypantsand enjoying every minute and page of it. She’s witty (duh!) and honest and someone I’d love to have over for a dinner party. She often has me laughing out loud. I mean how many women would actually admit that had she been Kate in Titanic, she would have gotten on the life boat because, “…then, he (Leo) could have had that piece of wood she (Kate) was floating on and they both would have survived.” She admits this to her husband. On their honeymoon. On a cruise where there was a fire and they had to evacuate. Lifeboats and all. I won’t tell you anymore and ruin it for you. She’s a woman after my own heart.
Is the book an accurate reflection of who she is real life? I met and worked closely with the author of an autobiographical book I thoroughly enjoyed. (Some of you know all too well who this is.) I had always loved her no-BS style on a popular TV show and I admired her even more after learning about her experiences and her take on life. However, after seeing her in action for a few months, I realized that the book version of her was far better than the real thing. Because I had loved the advice and lessons in the book, I had to make a conscious effort to separate the “author” her from the “real” her. But, being around her taught me a lot of what-not-to-do lessons, thus affirming the person I want to be. Now, each time I read anything remotely autobiographical, I always wonder about the author. Tina Fey, I hope you are as great, if not greater than the sum of your pages.
Do you have a library card? What are you currently reading? And finally, which authors would you like to meet?
I love to dance. Give me a good beat and you will see me bopping along. There are many occasions where I will spontaneously start dancing while cleaning/cooking, getting ready to go the gym, or while watching a dance/music related movie (um, Step Up, Pitch Perfect, anyone?). Now imagine dancing in the middle of your work day. The New York Times just published an article about lunchtime dance parties that are happening around the city. Some also include a boozy beverage. But the point is not to get wasted or even network for that matter. The main objective here is to take a break away from your desk, computer screens, mobile devices, meetings and just dance. Alcohol or not, these people have the right idea. Dancing is a form of exercise; exercise give you endorphins; endorphins make you happy. Thus, dancing, midday, will give you that boost of happiness that you need to get you through the rest of your work day/week. When you are happy and refreshed, you will be more productive at work. Well, here’s hoping.
Image: At Slate in the Flatiron district, courtesy of the New York Times.
Pancakes, waffles, omelets, most breakfast dishes are also perfect for dinner. One of the most common Indian breakfast dishes that my mother used to make for dinner is Batata Poha (pronounced: puhwa). The ingredients in this vary slightly based on region and household but the two staring ingredients are always the same: batata, meaning potato, and poha, meaning flattened, dry rice. As a kid, I would always try to take a few extra potato cubes when my mother was not looking. Our Gujarati version has a twist. It is spicy and tangy but not overly sweet. My mother omits the sugar completely while I like to add just a hint of it to brighten the other flavors. This tasty dish is filling, easy to make, and always comforting. More
Do you ever have days when you just cannot figure out what to make for dinner? Last night, I knew I wanted something spicy and cheesy for dinner but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I had spinach wraps, baby bella mushrooms, jalapenos, and Monterey Jack cheese with jalapenos in my fridge so quesadillas were the obvious choice. I sauteed the mushrooms with freshly ground toasted cumin to bring out their earthy flavors and to compliment the heat from the jalapenos. It’s a subtle, warm touch that brightens the whole dish. These crunchy creations would be great any time of the day, as a meal or a snack. More
All time consuming meals are complicated to create. I love proving this common misconception wrong whenever possible. The amount of time that it takes to prep and cook a meal is not always directly correlated to its level of difficulty. Case in point: Baked Polenta with Tomato, Basil, and Pecorino. The whole thing comes together in about an hour and fifteen minutes. Now, don’t get scared and stop reading! Most of the work is done by your oven while you get all the praise. And the sauce… I can see myself using the versatile, intensely flavorful sauce in pasta or over stuffed veggies. The dish pair beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine and a movie. More
Over the weekend, while getting in some cardio at the gym, I realized that I tend to stay on my cardio machine for a longer period of time when something fun and slightly juicy is on the monitor in front of me. Just when my body starts to wimp out, I tell myself, “Keep going until the next commercial or don’t stop now, the show is almost over!” Try it, it does the trick every time. Lately, E! has been showing “Sex and the City,” the movie, and regardless of how many times I see it, I do not seem to tire of the gorgeous fashion, the drama, and the incredible story of friendship between four friends. It has turned into a gym guilty pleasure (though I believe “You’ve Got Mail” and “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” would also work just as well). Do you have a movie that you can watch over and over? A romantic comedy, drama, thriller?
Do you read when you are a passenger on a plane, train, or car? I almost always read when taking the subway. The Economist on my iPhone seems to be my publication of choice recently. Most of my reads tend be on paper rather than a gadget. Now that I think about it, I much prefer reading The Economist in its true magazine form, though my iPhone does come in handy when I forget to pack a hard-copy. I am always curious to see what others are reading on the subway; I always see the most scandalous and juicy reads in the summer. For that reason alone, I love scrolling through the Underground New York Public Library. Creator Ourit Ben-Haim takes pictures of people reading on the NYC subway and provides links to purchase or borrow the book. Looking for your next read? UNYPL is sure to provide you some worthwhile suggestions.
Decadent, creamy, heavenly… No words can justly describe a delectable spoonful of Nielsen’s Frozen Custard. Maithil’s friend took us to this laid-back, old-fashioned frozen custard shoppe in Vienna, Virginia for a mid-afternoon treat during our recent visit to the D.C. area. The menu offers several concoctions in the form of custard sandwiches, concretes (similar to a McFlurry or a Dairy Queen Blizzard), or a straight-up large scoop in a cup or a cone. Maithil and I shared a cup of the flavor of the day, Oreo, topped with almonds and walnuts. Smooth and not-too-sweet (and not-too-cheap), it was better than any frozen yogurt or ice cream I had ever had. Plus, a board behind the counter stated that it has less fat than ice cream, which only adds to its amazing factor. The only downsides are that they are not open on Sundays and they do not have a location in NYC or NJ, just one other in Las Vegas. If only I could have brought home a quart full. Just thinking about it is making my mouth water.
